In “America’s Church,” Thomas Tweed, a professor of religious studies at the University of Texas in Austin, gives us a long overdue historical overview of the crucial components of American Catholicism that led to the establishment of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

Adding gifts from the Christian East like mystery, contemplation and wisdom to one’s prayer life can bring a new richness and balance to those used to the Western church’s focus on understanding, action and knowledge.